Only After I Was Reborn Did I Realize That I Had Childhood Sweethearts

Liu Xiaoyu and Xiang Bingbing's visit served dual purposes—cat cuddling and finalizing OST selections forCode: Eternity. Since its inception last year, Guo Yun had completed designs for the female protagonist and first three bosses.

Mei Fang compiled the finalized boss artwork and backstories into music briefs. Now seated on either side of his triangular workstation, the duo listened as he explained character inspirations:

"The first boss is Guardian Celid—the last infected individual who lost consciousness. Though called 'Guardian,' she wasn't actually chosen for the role; her elder sister was."

"Yet as a candidate, Celid still fulfilled her duty by delivering the White Witch—Lily—to sanctuary, living up to her title."

"Having the protagonist's savior become the initial boss—combined with her original beauty—creates profound irony."

"Ah Fang! This backstory's downright cruel!"

Xiang Bingbing shook her fists at Mei Fang. "Just hearing this makes me want to pummel you!"

"Easy there—my frail body can't handle your punches."

While they bantered, Liu Xiaoyu diligently took notes before inquiring:

"Correct—cello-based melody with pipe organ accents for scene-setting. Requires choral vocals mimicking hymns."

"I understand the vocal treatment. You mentioned two phases—does Phase Two need variation?"

"Exactly—a faster, more intense variation of Phase One with distorted elements. Celid's corruption manifests as jealousy toward her sister."

"Understood. We'll compose Phase First first for approval before tackling variations."

"Perfect. Next boss…"

Having only formally studied music theory since university through their arts club, Xiang Bingbing—though skilled at drums—remained Liu Xiaoyu's assistant. Watching Mei Fang and Liu Xiaoyu's seamless professional rapport left her feeling oddly excluded.

"Bingbing, any questions?"

"Eh? I…don't know these technical terms yet. But if the first boss hints at her sister, will she appear later?"

"The sister's Boss Five." Mei Fang clarified. "Celid believed her sister abandoned them, but she'd actually sacrificed herself deep within the cathedral—right beneath Celid's feet."

"So tragic!" Xiang Bingbing tearfully shook Mei Fang's shoulders. "You monster!"

"The deeper the pain, the sweeter the redemption." Mei Fang smiled. "Besides, defeated bosses become the witch's allies—helping purify others' corruption."

"That…almost makes you human again."

Just then, Xia Yuan appeared, draping herself over Mei Fang's shoulders with spoilers:

"But! The corruption doesn't vanish—it accumulates within the protagonist until—"

"Nooo! Ah Fang, I'll kill you a thousand times! The white-haired loli won't die, right? RIGHT?"

"Calm down! The true ending's happy—promise!"

"Really? No lies?"

"Pinky swear!"

After Xia Yuan stuck out her tongue, she nuzzled Mei Fang. "How much longer? We have that musical this afternoon."

"Plenty of time—it's still early."

Though Xia Yuan wasn't rushing them, Liu Xiaoyu politely stood. "We should head back for class. We'll review any unclear requirements later?"

"Sure, no problem."

"Ah, wait—"

Xiang Bingbing hesitated until Liu Xiaoyu's pointed look silenced her. After farewells, their walk back to campus found the usually cheerful Xiang Bingbing sighing profoundly.

"What's wrong?" Liu Xiaoyu inquired.

"Ah Fang's incredible—not just as a CEO. Composing, coding, game design, even scripting…how can one person be so talented?"

"He is…special." Liu Xiaoyu nodded before adding, "Hence why Yuan Yuan and Youxi both love him."

"But I think they love him because of their childhood bond, not just his talents…"

"Don't underestimate that! Remember how boys playing with girls got mocked? Maintaining such friendships takes miracles."

"Huh? In Shennongjia, boys and girls always played together—no teasing."

"Must be regional…" Liu Xiaoyu stretched. "Regardless, their lifelong connection isn't just Mei Fang's effort—it's mutual compatibility. A two-way—no, three-way romance!"

Their shared awkward laughter faded as Xiang Bingbing sighed. "If I'd grown up with them too, maybe I'd…"

Noticing her hesitation, Liu Xiaoyu gently probed: "Do you…still have feelings for Mei Fang?"

"I…don't know."

Xiang Bingbing scratched her head. "When Youxi asked before, I couldn't answer. I used to openly admit liking Ah Fang, but now…"

"Why the change?"

"Before it was simple friendship! He wasn't even my type—I'm too tall for shorter guys. Not that he's short! But now…"

Her voice softened. "After sitting together…he brought me meals when I fractured my arm, treated me kindly…I've never met anyone so warmhearted."

Xiang Bingbing pouted. "Now he's this unattainable CEO…it feels unreal."

Because he IS unreal, Liu Xiaoyu thought wryly.

"You like the gentle deskmate Ah Fang, not the business mogul, right?"

"Exactly! Sitting with him felt so…safe. Doing homework, napping, chatting, exams—everything was better beside him."

Safe…what's that like?

Having never shared classes with Mei Fang, Liu Xiaoyu only knew him through Xia Yuan's stories—a bittersweet fantasy. Yet Xiang Bingbing's recollections made it tangible.

"Uwaaaah—"

Xiang Bingbing's sudden wail drew stares until Liu Xiaoyu dragged her aside.

"What's gotten into you?!"

"I regret realizing too late!"

Tears welled in Xiang Bingbing's eyes. "Xiaoyu…I like Ah Fang so much now! Not seeing him makes days duller. Why couldn't we join their musical date?"

"Couples need privacy! How many times must I remind you about boundaries? Overstepping makes you no better than homewreckers—especially with attached men!"

"Yuan Yuan wouldn't mind! She's not petty! Well…Youxi might get jealous if I get too close…"

Liu Xiaoyu nearly laughed—Xia Yuan and Lin Youxi clearly treated Xiang Bingbing like a daughter.

"Youxi's possessive, but won't mind if you respect boundaries. Officially, they're all single anyway—overthinking would seem stranger."

"I'd never homewreck! They're my best friends! I just…want us all together more before careers and families pull us apart. Like with Rourou…"

Her childhood friend Rourou had married post-graduation, their bond fading despite Xiang Bingbing's efforts during their Shennongjia trip. This loss made her cherish current friendships more.

Liu Xiaoyu finally understood—beneath Xiang Bingbing's childishness lay genuine foresight.She's right…

Xia Yuan had often mentioned marrying Mei Fang post-graduation to raise children—even joking about false pregnancy scares. That future meant fewer shared interests with Xia Yuan…and Mei Fang's divided attention between family and work.

"Xiaoyu? You spaced out."

"Ah…just agreeing with you." Liu Xiaoyu smiled. "We should cherish these gatherings while young."

"Then I'm inviting them to my basketball game next week! Okay?"

"Sure…try arranging it."

Liu Xiaoyu's mind wandered as she added, "I've already scheduled dinner with them."

"Can I come too?"

"Of course…it was always meant to include you."

"Yay! Seize our youth before oceans divide us!"

"Mm," Liu Xiaoyu nodded softly. "Before regret takes root."